Send us a text

In this episode, Joe sits down with Brad Edmondson, Black Belt and owner of Misfits Jiu-Jitsu in St. Charles, IL, to explore how jiu-jitsu became the lifeline that helped him rise from severe depression into a life of purpose, balance, and leadership. Brad shares openly about starting his training at age 30 during one of the darkest seasons of his life, the mentors who shaped him, and how the discipline of jiu-jitsu rewired his mind, his identity, and his belief in himself.

Together, Joe and Brad dive into the connection between movement and mental health, what it means to build a safe and positive training environment, and how Brad uses jiu-jitsu as a tool for emotional regulation, resilience, and personal transformation. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating their own internal battles or searching for a path back to themselves.

A powerful reminder that healing doesn’t always start with talking — sometimes it starts with stepping on the mat.

Send us a text

In this episode, Joe sits down with tech leader and entrepreneur Ernest Saco, a first-generation college graduate, husband, and father of three, who is balancing a full-time role at a leading AI video startup while building his own AI company on the side. Ernest opens up about the realities of fatherhood, identity, work/life balance, and the courage required to chase a vision while showing up fully for your family.

This conversation is about discipline, culture, pressure, purpose, and the truth that success is built quietly — one intentional choice at a time. Ernest’s story is a reminder that healing, growth, and leadership all begin with who you decide to be.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Strongoo Podcast, Joe sits down with Dr. Jennifer Piemonte, a postdoctoral research associate and instructor of Psychology of Personality at the University of Illinois. Together, they explore one of the most fascinating questions in psychology — Where do our personalities come from?

Dr. Piemonte shares insights on the balance between nature and nurture, the impact of our environments on genetic expression, and how concepts like self-determination theory connect to fitness, motivation, and healing. This thoughtful conversation bridges science and soul, aligning perfectly with Strongoo’s belief that movement is the physical practice of mental health.

Tune in to learn how understanding your personality can deepen self-awareness, enhance motivation, and transform the way you approach your goals — inside and outside the gym.